Embarking on a Carnival cruise from the Port of Dover? Navigating transportation, especially in a bustling city like London, can feel overwhelming. Carnival Cruise Line simplifies your journey by offering convenient transportation services between major London transport hubs and the Port of Dover. This guide provides all the essential information for a smooth transition from London’s airports and Victoria Coach Station to your cruise ship, and back again.
Seamless Airport to Pier Transfers
Carnival offers dedicated transfer services from both London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW) airports directly to the Port of Dover on embarkation day. To take advantage of this service, ensure your flight arrives before 11:00 AM on your cruise departure day.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR):
Transportation from Heathrow Terminal 3 operates between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Shuttles run frequently, approximately every 45 to 60 minutes, ensuring minimal wait times.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW):
For Gatwick arrivals (South Terminal), a dedicated transfer service is available at 11:00 AM.
Victoria Coach Station: A Central London Departure Point
If you’re spending time in central London before your cruise, Victoria Coach Station offers a convenient departure point. Located at 164 Buckingham Palace Rd, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9TP, transfers depart at 11:30 AM on embarkation day and 8:00 AM on debarkation day. This service is ideal for guests staying in London hotels or arriving via train to Victoria Station.
Important Note for Flight Information
For guests utilizing Carnival’s airport transportation and booking their own flights, it’s crucial to provide your flight details through Carnival’s Online Check-In at least two days prior to your cruise. This ensures that airport staff are adequately prepared to meet all arriving flights and provide timely service. Airport staffing is based on pre-submitted flight information, and service may not be available if flights are outside of the planned schedule or if flight details are not provided in advance.
Stress-Free Pier to Airport Transfers After Your Cruise
When your cruise concludes, Carnival also provides return transportation from the Port of Dover back to London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. To make your post-cruise travel smooth, ensure your return flight departs no earlier than 1:00 PM.
Transportation services commence from the Port of Dover at 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM to both London Heathrow and London Gatwick Airports, operating throughout the debarkation process.
Plan your travel time accordingly:
- London Heathrow Airport: Allow approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of travel time.
- London Gatwick Airport: Allow approximately 1.5 hours of travel time.
It is highly recommended to arrive at the airport three hours before international flights to allow ample time for check-in and security procedures.
Booking Your Carnival Transportation
Purchasing your Carnival transportation is straightforward. You can book through your travel agent or directly with Carnival reservations by calling 1-800-327-9501. Alternatively, you can easily add transportation to your booking online:
- Access My Cruise Manager: Log in to your Carnival account via the My Cruise Manager portal.
- Navigate to Airport Transfers: Click on “Categories” at the top of the page and select “Airport Transfers.”
- Select Your Transfer: Choose your desired transfer option on the “Airport Transfers” page.
- Provide Flight Information: After purchasing your transfer, return to Online Check-In to input your flight itinerary.
Remember, it is your responsibility to update any changes to your flight details in Online Check-In at least two days before your cruise. Carnival is not responsible for transportation arrangements for flights scheduled outside of the specified service times or for guests who provide incorrect flight information.
Meeting Carnival Representatives at the Airport
Upon arrival at Heathrow or Gatwick Airport, after collecting your luggage and clearing customs, proceed to the designated meeting points in the arrivals area. Carnival representatives from Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services will be present to greet you and escort you to your pier transportation. For any immediate assistance on your sailing day, the transfer provider can be contacted at +44 798-988-1258.
Airport Meeting Points:
- London Heathrow International Airport: Arrival hall, Heathrow Terminal 3.
- London Gatwick International Airport: Arrivals halls, South Terminal.
Guests arriving in London prior to their cruise and requiring transfer from Victoria Coach Station should arrive at 164 Buckingham Palace Rd, Belgravia, London, SW1W 9TP by 11:30 AM on embarkation day. Departure bay information will be displayed on the departure screens at Victoria Coach Station under “Carnival Cruise Line – Dover”.
On Your Return Journey
Upon disembarkation and after collecting your luggage, Carnival pier representatives will guide you to your awaiting motor coach for your transfer back to the airport.
Important Conditions and Restrictions
Please note that the transportation service is operated by an independent contractor. Carnival Cruise Line is not liable for any losses, damages, or injuries arising from the use of this service. Carnival reserves the right to modify or discontinue transportation services at any time, and prices and acceptable flight times are subject to change without prior notice. Transportation rates are also subject to change, and unused services are non-refundable.
By utilizing Carnival’s transportation services, you can relax and begin enjoying your cruise vacation from the moment you arrive in London.
